Meet Some Of Our Members

About

My name is Howard. I have an undergraduate degree in Professional Musicianship and a Master’s degree in Learning and Teaching, both from the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music (BIMM). Being in a band myself, I have a passion for providing students with the knowledge they need to create and to enjoy the instrument they have chosen to play.

About

I have over 20 years’ experience teaching piano and music theory to children. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree with a Teacher Qualification in Music Education in China, I became a music teacher in a secondary school before moving to the United Kingdom in 2008 where I began teaching students privately on a one-to-one basis. I am a passionate piano teacher who enjoys seeing her students grow and develop their music skills whilst simultaneously having fun enjoying the beauty of music.

About

Hannah was educated at Chetham’s School of Music, where she was privileged to receive a world-class standard of music education. Her time at Chetham’s gifted Hannah with a strong grounding in academic music, theory skills and knowledge; and her many (many!) hours spent in practice rooms have equipped her to be able to play the piano at a high standard. Hannah specialised in the oboe at Chethams, but her enjoyment of the piano has gone with her through life. Hannah’s first class honours degree in Psychology in Education, alongside a wealth of experience working in a range of jobs in education have equipped her to have a great way of relating to each pupil; seeking to motivate them and draw the best out of them. Hannah prefers an integrated approach to teaching piano: focussing on establishing a strong classical grounding and good technique, whilst also encouraging her pupils to be highly creative and exploratory through improvisation and lots of listening and piano games. Hannah believes that learning to play an instrument should be fun and engaging, where each pupil is able to develop their musicality as they learn how to draw on their own unique skills through the guidance of their teacher.

About

Ellie Pretorian studied classical singing and musicology at the Royal College of Music in London, where she obtained a First Class Bachelor of Music Degree and a High Distinction Postagruate Degree. She further obtained a High Distinction Advanced Master in Operatic Performance and Voice from the National Opera Studio in London.

She began her career as a principal artist with Glyndebourne Opera, where she debuted in many complex and exciting operatic roles. She made her debut with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in 2012 and has also performed as a principal with Garsington Opera and Longborough Opera Festival. Her singing took her to important concert venues in Europe and the United States. She performed with renowned Orchestras, such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Zurich and London Chamber Orchestras and the Orchestra of St.John’s, among others.

Since 2016, Ellie has focused on her teaching and is enthusiastically teaching students of all ages and technical levels. She is also experienced working with special educational needs children.

About

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About

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About

Richard began learning the piano at the age of seven, and studied at the Royal College of Music and London College of Music. He graduated in 1988, and five years later relocated to Taiwan, where he lived for 25 years, working as a piano and theory teacher and a performer.
Returning to England in 2018, he joined Swindon Music Co-operative the following year.
Apart from music, Richard is an avid traveller (visiting 102 countries to date) and a keen hiker, never happier than climbing mountains or visiting waterfalls both in the UK and abroad.

I have been teaching guitar and singing since graduating from my undergraduate degree in 2013, and have been fortunate enough to teach children and adults from all walks of life, with different experience levels, goals and interests. I take a student-centred approach to teaching and adapt my teaching style depending on the needs of my student.

I have a great deal of performance experience and have been performing live in pubs, clubs and music venues from the age of 12, and have worked closely with many of my students to overcome their own performance anxiety to enable them to perform confidently in front of crowds.

I am also a HCPC registered music therapist with neurologic music therapy training. I have experience working with a range of client groups including:

• Early years and adolescent special needs and autism.
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Adults with learning disabilities
• Young offenders,
• Acquired brain injury
• Dementia
• Adopted children

I believe that music and the opportunity to participate in music making can be life changing and open up new opportunities to adults and children alike.

About

I began playing drums in 1998 at the age of 9 after an early diet of listening to some of the great rock drummers, who’s bands my Dad used to put on in the car. After my first drum lesson in the attic of my local music shop, I became totally obsessed with the instrument – an obsession that still continues to this day.

I have since studied drums at The Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildford (under renowned drum educators such as Paul Elliott, Pete Riley and Mike Sturgis) and The Academy of Music & Sound, completing my degree in Performance Industries in 2013 with First Class Honours.

Over the years my playing has been coloured by countless amazing drummers, some of my biggest influences being José Pasillas II (Incubus), Abe Cunningham (Deftones), Travis Barker (Blink 182), Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Sting) and Steve Judd (Karnivool).

Although my playing is firmly rooted within the Rock/Pop vein, I enjoy playing a multitude of different styles including Jazz/Fusion, Funk, Reggae, Latin and Progressive Rock/Metal.
My main outlet as a musician is my band All Ears Avow – a Pop/Rock band from the southwest. We have toured all over the UK and our music has allowed us to play some amazing places including O2 Academy Oxford, 2000 Trees Festival (Cheltenham), Underground Festival (Gloucester), Nottingham Rock City and Bath Komedia. We have also been lucky enough to share the stage with some awesome bands such as Mallory Knox, Decade, Slaves (US), Press to Meco and many more.

Our most recent record ‘Skin & Bones’ was released in December 2018 and received a 4K review in Kerrang! Magazine.
Before joining Swindon Music Cooperative, I taught for several years at The Academy of Music & Sound Swindon before its closure in July 2019. I frequently undertake various session work including function/covers bands, original acts, community music performances and music workshops. I also play drums in Swindon-based function band ‘Rogues’.

About

Harry is a professional musician with a passion for education, and has previously worked in a Special Educational Needs department, tutored students 1-1, and taught A Level Music Technology. Harry teaches guitar and bass to a wide range of students, taking a pupil-centred approach and tailoring resources to reflect the music tastes of the student, making sure there is always an enjoyable, fun aspect to every lesson.

Harry has been performing live for over 10 years on both guitar and bass, playing in a whole host of lineups over the years including; an indie-rock band, an acoustic trio, a blues-rock duo, a seriously funky hip-hop band, jazz ensembles, and leading a function band playing music from old soul classics to R&B and modern rap!

About

Lucy’s love for singing developed at a very young age, training with Janice Thompson since the age of 4 and obtaining up to Grade 8 with ABRSM and a DIP LCM in Classical Performance. Lucy completed up to Grade 8 in Music Theatre with LCM whilst also obtaining a DIP LCM in Music Theatre. Lucy has taken part in an array of shows and festivals, leading her to win the Junior Championship at the Swindon Music Festival in 2011.
In secondary school Lucy obtained an A in GCSE Music further gaining a B in Music A level. Lucy graduated from Bath Spa University in July 2017 after obtaining an Upper Second Class BA Music Degree.
While completing her degree, Lucy was provided with an array of opportunities that lead her to sing in venues such as Bath Abbey. Lucy’s experiences prior to starting her degree provided her with the knowledge and skills that ultimately allowed her to excel in being the Musical Director of Act 1 of ‘Urinetown’ in March 2017.
Lucy has been teaching in and around Swindon and enjoys teaching an array of students, both adults and young children. Lucy is the main school singing teacher at Swindon Stagecoach and Stagecoach Faringdon. As well as the Music Theatre teacher at The Gemma Short school of Dance & Performing arts.

About

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About

Jim has been playing guitar in bands for 27 years on and off. Specialising in slide guitar when he performs but teaches all kinds of guitar from beginners upwards. Jim believes learning should be fun but that includes practice too!

About

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About

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About

Teaching all ages and from very beginners all the way to advanced/professional players.

Darren is a qualified guitar teacher and has a gained a formal certificate of teaching from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). He also has over 15 years of teaching experience and during this time has taught at the Musicians Institute London (MI), for the Music Industries association (MIA) in London, The Swindon Music Co-operative as well as various schools, colleges and privately in his own purpose built teaching studios. Darren also has also been fully CRB checked.

Uses a selection of recognised grading syllabuses and cover many styles from Classical, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Rock and Metal.

Darren continues to play all over the UK, and has over 25+ years of gigging and studio experience.

His very popular high energy shows are sure to have everyone singing and playing air guitar in no time.

Check here for more information: www.darrenhuntsolo.webs.com

About

Robert Jack first became interested in the guitar at the age of 12. He was initially self taught but then had lessons with Keith Dodds, Mike Strange, Ray Burley and Gerald Garcia. By the age of 22 he had passed grade 8 on Classical guitar with ABRSM and by 23 had gained a performers diploma ALCM. Robert has  taken part in teaching courses with Trinity College and ABRSM. He was awarded the CTABRSM in 2005 and presented with the certificate by Prince Charles in London. Over the years Robert has guided many students with their grade exams and beyond. Robert is currently in a Guitar group called Strike a Chord who performs concerts throughout the year. He is also able to give solo recitals when called upon.

About

I have been teaching for approximately 18 years on a part and full time basis (since I was 13 years old). I have gained a wealth of knowledge about teaching, music and mostly how people learn, simply through the 120+ students I have taught during this time.

I began learning the piano myself aged 7 with Paul Turner ARAM, GRSM (Hons), LRAM, ARCM and started singing lessons aged 8 with Janice Thompson MA LRAM ATCL. By 13 I had passed grades 5-8 piano with the ABRSM and consequently wanted to continue the subject as a (young) teacher. I continued learning and gained a BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice at Swindon College in 2006 and a BA (Hons) Music degree and Bath Spa University in 2010.

I am currently a Piano teacher with the Swindon Music Cooperative at Ridgeway Secondary and Sixth Form, Wroughton Juniors and Redoaks Juniors, Covingham Juniors, Ferndale Juniors, Holy Cross and Holy Family Juniors Schools and I am an Assistant Teacher and Accompanist with the Janice Thompson Performance Trust, a role I have held with the Trust for 10 years.

I am a very kind and encouraging teacher who concentrates on the individual students’ strengths in learning. For example some pupils might memorise whereas some may Sight-Read. Others like to listen for the correct sounds whereas others will concentrate on numbers rather than notes. Whatever way a person instinctively learns ‘music’, is never ‘wrong’ to me. I will however coach and nurture what comes naturally to a student to improve their skill of playing the piano.

About

Rebecca is a professional singer, songwriter, Grade 8 pianist, and educator of all of the above. Rebecca has performed all over the UK in musical ensembles including:
• Vocalist & pianist in Royal Soul.
• Songwriter, vocalist, and pianist in an all-female close-harmony vocal group.
• Pianist & vocalist in an original folk/orchestral band.
• Performing solo as a singer-songwriter.
• Resident pianist reciting jazz, classical and original compositions.
• Keyboard player in a 6 piece funk and soul function band playing extensively all over the UK.
• Co-creator of SongCraft workshops.

About

I am an enthusiastic, hardworking and self motivated individual with good personal skills, passionate about music and music teaching.
Personally I have been playing guitar for over 20 years, this includes Classical, Acoustic and Electric guitar.

I have 15 years experience playing in bands of varying genres and have performed at professional music festivals such as Download and Techfest.

I completed a degree in Professional Musicianship through Brighton Institute of Modern Music (University of Sussex) in 2011 and have recently been accepted to study a Masters in Music Therapy at UWE Bristol.

I have been teaching structured private guitar lessons since 2011 with ongoing students, tailoring the lessons to each individual’s preference to what they want to achieve. My aim is to pass on as much of my own knowledge to my students as possible, keeping the sessions fun and informative.

I also have a background in Outdoor Education, instructing sessions for adults and young people of varying abilities and backgrounds. Teaching on and off of water, outside and in a classroom environment. Providing long term development and assessment with students over the academic year.

I enjoy working with people and teaching all levels and abilities, I am passionate about music and teaching, looking to develop myself personally and professionally in a music teaching career.

I have experience in teaching children and young people with SEN, through communication with parents and teachers I have been able to achieve positive results. I intend to begin studying an MA in Music Therapy in September 2018 which I hope will help me explore more avenues in helping people with SEN access and enjoy music.

I have recently completed a Teaching assistant, Dyslexia Support and Behaviour Management course which has given me an insight into how to best support pupils with learning difficulties.

About

My name is Tracey Absalom and I teach flute, recorder, piano and bass guitar. Piano was the first instrument I learnt to play at 6 years old and I then started the recorder in junior school. I took up the flute at 10 years old and joined Swindon Young Musicians. The group I really wanted to join at that age was the jazz band so when an opening came up for the bass guitar I started to learnt that and joined that band at 16. I then spent 10 years performing in a function band while I was working as a veterinary nurse until I started a family with my husband who I meet through SYM. My career path then changed and rather than having music as a hobby I realised that I wanted to inspire the next generation to enjoy music just as much as I do. I mainly gig on the bass guitar as a professional musician now, along side my teaching. I’ve played in the pit of many local shows as well as accompanying local choirs. My main musical passion at the moment is being a member of the all female Swindon group called the Swing Birds which has taken me back to my SYM jazz band days. I also help out with the RWBA swing band with their rhythm section. Music is such an important part of my life and I have many magical memories because of it.

About

I trained at the Royal Academy of Music for 5 years specialising in singing and piano but I was also a member of an Academy recorder group while I was there. I was awarded a scholarship for singing in my last year.

I teach pupils from the age of 7 to adult.

I have worked as a professional singer and have wide experience of performing in many different styles. I am happy to teach regular lessons or offer coaching to singers, actors and dancers to help prepare for auditions.

I really enjoy teaching the piano and accompanying pupils for exams. The recorder is a delightful instrument and there is so much fabulous repertoire available these days for beginners as well as more experienced players.

I love getting my pupils to enjoy music and always make an effort to make my lessons fun as well as challenging.
I am happy to work towards graded exams if the pupil wishes to do so, and have entered many students in the past with great success.

About

Tracy is a Woodwind and Piano specialist with over 35 years experience as a teacher and performer.  In addition to her work with the SMC, Tracy also provides music workshops to Care Homes, runs the community choir ‘Generations of Sound’ and writes arrangements.

At the age of 15, Tracy won a scholarship to study the Clarinet with Colin Bradbury, who was then the Principal Clarinettist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. She played many concertos with local orchestras and performed much of the Clarinet repertoire.

At 16, Tracy took up the Saxophone and Flute, playing in many local jazz groups and in the pit orchestras for shows both in Essex and in London.

She completed her L.T.C.L Teaching Diploma at 17 and then worked as a peripatetic teacher for Essex County Council for three years.  Continuing her education at the age of 21, Tracy attended the University of Surrey where she gained a Bachelor of Music degree.  This course also included a year’s study at the University of North Texas – an incredible experience involving top class jazz tuition and ten-gallon hats!

On leaving University, Tracy went to teach Music and Performing Arts A-level at her old sixth-form college in Essex.  Since then, Tracy has taught in the classroom – all ages from Nursery up to A-level – as well as peripatetic and private tuition.

As a performer, Tracy continues to play in shows and as a member of a function band where she plays Saxophone and Keyboards.  She is MD for a number of local theatre groups and does the occasional recital.

Tracy also runs ‘Generations of Sound’ – a community choir in Shrivenham – which performs twice a year with a 7-piece band.  She writes all the arrangements for the band and choir and has also written arrangements for cruise ship performers.

A personal note from Tracy…..

‘I am extremely lucky to be doing something that I love.  Music is hard work, particularly in the early stages of learning, but immensely enjoyable and I have been fortunate enough to play with some world class performers and in many different countries.  There is always something new and challenging to try.  I am passionate about all aspects of music and hope to inspire my pupils to the levels of enjoyment that I have experienced.’